Top 10 Wealthiest Snooker Players in History

Snooker’s Global Rise and Financial Rewards

Once a mainstay on British television screens, snooker has evolved into a global phenomenon, with international tournaments drawing huge audiences. The game’s elite don’t just earn from winning titles; their wealth comes from tournament prizes, media work, sponsorship deals, and high-profile endorsements. Let’s explore the top 10 richest snooker players of all time, taking into account their total career achievements and off-table earnings.

10. Mark Williams – Net Worth: £7.1 Million ($9 Million)

A legend from the renowned “Class of 92,” alongside John Higgins and Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Williams has become one of snooker’s most consistent stars. With 25 ranking event victories, including three World Championships and a remarkable Triple Crown sweep in the 2002-03 season, his trophy cabinet speaks for itself. As of now, Williams has surpassed £7.5 million in career prize money. With ongoing tournament participation, his fortune—estimated around £7.1 million ($9 million)—is still growing.

9. Willie Thorne – Net Worth: £8.1 Million ($10.3 Million)

The late Willie Thorne, while remembered for his charisma and commentary, achieved just one ranking title—the 1985 Classic—reaching as high as seventh in the global standings. After his retirement in 2001, he remained connected to the sport as a senior player until 2019. Over his lifetime, Thorne accumulated slightly over £1.18 million in tournament winnings but built significant wealth from his extensive TV and commentary work, pushing his net worth to about £8.1 million ($10.3 million).

8. John Higgins – Net Worth: £8.8 Million ($11.2 Million)

Regarded as one of the most skilled players of his generation, John Higgins holds 31 ranking titles, including four World Championships. Nicknamed “The Wizard of Wishaw,” he’s been ranked world number one multiple times, cementing his legacy at the top of the sport. Throughout his career, Higgins has taken home nearly £10 million in prize money. With his active status and steady performances, his net worth of approximately £8.8 million ($11.2 million) is sure to climb further.

7. John Parrott – Net Worth: £9.1 Million ($11.6 Million)

Known as much for his television appearances as his talent on the table, John Parrott has enjoyed dual success as both a player and a pundit. He captured nine ranking titles, reached a career-high of world number two, and memorably clinched both the UK and World Championships in a single season. Parrott’s career prize purse stands at over £3.1 million, but his wealth, now at about £9.1 million ($11.6 million), has been greatly enhanced by his enduring broadcasting roles.

6. Ronnie O’Sullivan – Net Worth: £11.2 Million ($14.2 Million)

Considered by many as the greatest snooker player ever, Ronnie O’Sullivan has rewritten the record books. “The Rocket” boasts eight Masters victories, eight UK Championships, and seven World Championships—more major titles than any other player in the modern era. O’Sullivan’s career prize money eclipses £13.9 million, and sponsorship deals significantly boost his fortune. His current net worth is estimated at £11.2 million ($14.2 million).

5. Cliff Thorburn – Net Worth: £12.2 Million ($15.5 Million)

Cliff Thorburn, a Canadian legend, left his mark in the 1980s with a World Championship crown and three Masters victories, an achievement exceeded only by Stephen Hendry and Ronnie O’Sullivan. Despite earning just around £1.4 million in competitive winnings, his financial portfolio expanded well after retiring thanks to business ventures and appearances—amassing an estimated net worth of £12.2 million ($15.5 million).

4. Jimmy White – Net Worth: £15.3 Million ($19.4 Million)

Known affectionately as “The Whirlwind,” Jimmy White has captured the hearts of snooker fans worldwide. Though he never secured a World Championship despite six final appearances, he still holds ten ranking titles, including the UK Championship, and has one Masters win to his name. Over his career, White pocketed nearly £5 million in tournament prizes. His substantial net worth—about £15.3 million ($19.4 million)—comes largely from various sponsorships and frequent TV work.

3. Dennis Taylor – Net Worth: £18.2 Million ($23.2 Million)

Dennis Taylor will forever be remembered for his iconic victory against Steve Davis in the 1985 World Championship final—one of the most gripping moments in snooker history. Along with one other ranking title and a Masters success in 1987, Taylor’s playing career was lucrative but not lavish. It’s his prolific TV and commentary work after retirement, plus show appearances, that have helped him reach a net worth of around £18.2 million ($23.2 million).

2. Stephen Hendry – Net Worth: £25.5 Million ($32.4 Million)

Dominant during the 1990s, Stephen Hendry set numerous records that may never be broken. With seven World Championships, six Masters (five consecutively), and five UK Championship victories, Hendry’s prowess was unmatched for over a decade—keeping him at the top of the world rankings for more than eight years. He’s earned nearly £9 million from tournaments and, after a comeback in 2021, continues to generate wealth from commentary and other media ventures. His fortune is estimated at £25.5 million ($32.4 million).

1. Steve Davis – Net Worth: £26.5 Million ($33.7 Million)

Holding the title of richest snooker player ever, Steve Davis was the linchpin of the sport during the 1980s, heading the world rankings for seven straight years. Davis secured 28 ranking event wins, six World Championships, six UK Championships, and three Masters crowns. The only snooker figure to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, he retired in 2016 having earned approximately £5.5 million in prize money. Davis’s extensive contributions in media and as an ambassador off the table have boosted his estimated net worth to an impressive £26.5 million ($33.7 million).

Summary Table: The Richest Snooker Players Ranked

Final Thoughts on Snooker’s Top Earners

Snooker’s best have achieved fame and fortune through combining sporting success with media, endorsements, and long-term roles in the public eye. Whether through consistent tournament wins or becoming household names beyond the table, these legends have made snooker not only a prestigious sport but also a pathway to remarkable wealth.

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